DECATUR - Canine contenders of all shapes and sizes did their best athlete impressions Saturday at the eighth annual Furry Scurry at Fairview Park. The event, which had an Olympics theme this year, was put on by the Decatur and Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation with help from the Decatur Running Club and the Decatur Park District.

"It spotlights our love for animals," Candace Baker, one of the foundation's original members, said of the event, which seeks to get dog devotees out for a day of fun and frolicking and to also remind them of the needs of local shelter animals. Proceeds from registration, sales and donations will benefit animal care at the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center.

Baker, who has been to all eight Furry Scurry events, served as the master of ceremonies.

"It's a beautiful day, there's a lot of smiles out there, and the dogs are clearly into it, too, so I'd say it's a great one," she said.

Baker's two dogs, Sydney, a Yorkshire terrier mix, and Toby, a Jack Russell terrier mix, are both rescues.

After a special blessing by the Rev. Jeff Grant of the Parish Community of Saints James and Patrick, the group lined up for a pet parade. Featuring multicolored bandanas, sparkly sweaters and other unique ensembles the dogs' duds rivaled those of their owners.

Louisa Hunter's schnoodle, Chloe, won one of the event's gold medals for her costume representing the theme. Dressed up as a beach volleyball player, Chloe sported a dog bikini and a patriotic visor.

"She had a volleyball on her foot, but she kept losing it," Hunter said.

Chloe has a variety of costumes for all occasions, but one of her most meaningful outfits is the pink vest and volunteer badge she dons when she scampers through the halls of St. Mary's Hospital on pet therapy visits, Hunter said.

A 5K run and a one-mile run and walk followed the parade. Participants took off in a mass of feet, paws and wagging tails.

"It's one of the few races in Illinois where you can run with your dog," foundation board member Shirley Stanley said. "Usually races prohibit dogs."

Jackie O., Kelli Smith's tiny Yorkshire terrier, was one of the smallest dogs in the one-mile run, but the pair still came in 13th place.

"She just loves to run, and she kept with my pace," Smith said.

Jackie O., who trains primarily by darting after squirrels in the yard, proved that she can run with the big dogs.

"She beat a Labrador," Smith said. "The Labrador came in behind us."

Other activities at the Scurry included face-painting, balloon animals, an agility demonstration, a Decatur Police Department K-9 Unit chase simulation and Doggie Olympics with a dog dash, tunnel diving, rhythmic gymnastics and peanut butter speed licking.

On the anniversary of the opening of the Fido Fields Dog Park, Stanley said she would like to see more people taking advantage of community events that welcome pets, who are considered part of the family in many cases.

Stanley, who has a German shepherd named Lindsey, said one of her favorite parts of the Furry Scurry each year is seeing former shelter dogs who have found loving homes.

"It brings people who have the interest of animal welfare together," she said.

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